Method of and system for joint therapy and stabilization

Abstract

A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.

1. A method for providing orthopedic therapy, the method comprising:
 providing an expandable orthopedic device having an upper fastener assembly comprising a first strap and a lower fastener assembly comprising a second strap; 
 attaching a thermal therapy wrap on an inside surface of the expandable orthopedic device; 
 wrapping the expandable orthopedic device incorporating the thermal therapy wrap around a joint region of a user and securing the expandable orthopedic device therearound; 
 positioning first and second joint stabilization members on opposite sides of the joint region of the user to provide joint stabilization; 
 providing thermal therapy to the user via the thermal therapy wrap; 
 removing the thermal therapy wrap from the inside surface of the expandable orthopedic device; 
 attaching a buttress on the inside surface of the expandable orthopedic device; 
 wrapping the expandable orthopedic device incorporating the buttress around the joint region of the user and securing the expandable orthopedic device therearound; and 
 adjusting the first and second joint stabilization members to provide joint stabilization. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the joint region comprises an ankle region. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the joint region comprises an elbow region. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the joint region comprises a knee region. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising positioning the buttress on the inside surface of the expandable orthopedic device around a circumferential edge of a patella opening. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the buttress is horse-shoe like in shape. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising positioning the buttress in a medial direction relative to the joint region. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising positioning the buttress in a lateral direction relative to the joint region. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising providing pressure against the joint region for proper alignment thereof. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first joint stabilization member and the second joint stabilization member each comprise a first portion coupled to a second portion about a point of rotation. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising positioning the first joint stabilization member and the second joint stabilization member such that the point of rotation is aligned with a second point of rotation of the joint region. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the expandable orthopedic device. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising connecting the thermal therapy wrap to a fluid pump via a plurality of fluid tubes. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching comprises engaging the thermal therapy wrap to a hook and pile fastener disposed on an inside surface of the expandable orthopedic device. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable orthopedic device circumscribes portions of the user above and below the joint region.